What insurmountable thing gives you fear and trepidation? Whenever I reach for a brand new blank canvas my insecurities start to bubble up and I begin to question whether or not I'm up to the task. It's my earnest intention to enter the studio humble and God-dependent, but, you know...the project takes over the consciousness and intentions are lost.

This good man brought freshly caught shrimp to our resort every morning in Mazatlan. We could watch the shrimp boat lights out on the water at night from our deck. We bought a couple pounds of large beautiful shrimp from him during our stay and prepared them ala Bubba (Forest Gump) style through the week.

So I wanted to try painting him. Very intimidating! And I wanted to do it using the skills I've learned in the last couple years: good drawing, large shapes, values, shape relationships, perspective. Though there's no rule against them, I wanted to forgo shortcuts like tracing his outline. I wanted to make myself really see what I was looking at. Of course, I was looking at a photograph and a purist might give a thumbs-down to that. Live figure drawing might be my next frontier.

Doesn't he have such an interesting face? And that hat! Is that even ok to have the Pope on a hat?? And LOOK! His shirt is the Pantone color of the year!! Marsala! I knew I would stumble on something to paint in that color! (I must brag a little here and say that I mixed it myself using all that color theory I've learned over several years)

So here is my painting and I had so much fun doing it! What do you think?

Don't you think it would be remiss of me to tell you all about the Plein Air Workshop and never reveal my studies? I call them "studies" because they aren't in any way, shape, or form finished paintings (and never will be!) They were painting in the field, quickly, and under some duress. They were also painted with a lot of heart because I really, really want to learn to be a very good artist.

Please trust me when I tell you I am humble and humbled when it comes to my art. A few years ago I wouldn't have dreamed it was possible for me to do this and I am as surprised as anyone when a painting turns out lovely. So feel free to think whatever you like about these workshop studies. For me, the take-away is that a workshop is for learning and not for proving anything to anyone. For the artists out there: take workshops! Yes, they are expensive but they will help you grow so much. Take from artists who's work you admire. Take from artists you admire. Go with an open mind and heart, expect humiliations, refuse pride, laugh at your foibles, encourage your fellow students and yourself.

Hello! My name is Wendy and I am passionate about oil painting! Whether in the studio or out in Mother Nature, I get lost in the experience of capturing on canvas the moment and the feel of what I am painting. I pour my love and energy into every single piece of artwork and I hope it shows! This blog is a place where I can use words to talk about art, painting, life, faith, things that make me laugh, and things that inspire. I love every response, so don't be shy about leaving a comment...